Craving a soul-warming meal that's both incredibly simple and packed with nutrition? Look no further than Enola's Simple Vegetable Soup - the ultimate comfort food that will transform your kitchen into a haven of delicious aromas and wholesome goodness! In just 30 minutes, you can create a hearty, vibrant soup that will not only satisfy your hunger but also nourish your body with farm-fresh vegetables and pure, clean flavors. Whether you're a busy professional, a health-conscious home cook, or someone seeking a quick and nutritious meal, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort classic.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all vegetables by washing thoroughly and chopping them into uniform sizes: dice the onion, slice carrots and celery into thin, even pieces, and trim the green beans.
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly softened, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add sliced carrots and celery to the pot, stirring to combine with the onions. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to help develop their flavors and begin softening the vegetables.
- Pour the vegetable broth into the pot, ensuring all vegetables are well-submerged. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for about 15-18 minutes, or until the carrots and celery are tender but not mushy.
- Add trimmed green beans to the soup during the last 5 minutes of cooking to preserve their bright color and crisp texture.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, stirring gently to distribute the seasoning evenly.
- Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately. Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives if desired.
Tips
- Uniform Chopping: Ensure all vegetables are cut into similar sizes to guarantee even cooking and a consistent texture throughout the soup.
- Fresh is Best: Use the freshest vegetables possible for maximum flavor and nutritional value. If using frozen green beans, add them directly from the freezer.
- Seasoning Secret: Taste and adjust salt and pepper gradually. Remember, you can always add more, but you can't take it away.
- Flavor Boosters: Consider adding a splash of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme just before serving to elevate the soup's flavor profile.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, and the flavors often improve overnight. Simply reheat gently before serving.
- Customize Your Soup: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or potatoes to make the soup more substantial and personalized.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 80kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 3g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
